2023-06-26 10:03:30
The situation in which the oceans and the living beings that reside in them find themselves has once again revealed the the need to raise awareness about the importance of the maritime environment and its care. In fact, it is estimated that, if the necessary measures are not taken, by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans, according to data from the World Economic Forum.
However, pollution does not come only from plastic garbage: it is also the fault of phenomena such as agricultural runoff or wastewater. What is clear is the role of terrestrial sources in this contamination. In this sense, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) calculates that these sources are the cause of 80% of the pollution of the sea. According to Verónica García, PhD in Marine Sciences and editorial staff at Nubika, “urgent action is essential to protect and conserve the oceans from overfishing or pollution, as the oceans are vital to the balance of the global ecosystem”.
The sea plays a key role: according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the oceans produce more than 50% of the oxygen of the planet and absorb about 25% carbon dioxide. Furthermore, they are the home to up to a million species different, according to UNEP. However, not only does it have a key function in relation to environmental issues, but it is also important to highlight its link with the human well-being.
In this regard, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, it is estimated that the number of people who depend on the oceans for their main source of protein reaches 3 billion and that there are more than 200 million people who live and depend on fishing.
For this reason, the care and maintenance of the oceans is crucial: “produce oxygen, absorb CO2 and support many species, functions that are threatened by human activities”, clarifies Laura Barreal. The preservation of this natural environment is essential for current human and animal well-being, but also to guarantee the comfort of future generations. For this reason, it is vitally important to become aware and apply the necessary measures before it is too late.
Press contact: Marina Rodriguez 692 776 465
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